04. — Botanical Serums
These are often marketed as the “all-natural” option — packed with herbs, oils, and plant-based actives like rosemary, pumpkin seed, green tea, saw palmetto, or caffeine. And while many of these ingredients have been clinically shown to support circulation, calm inflammation, or even help inhibit DHT, what they lack is that single, high-impact ingredient (like exosomes or growth factors) that elevates them from supportive to truly transformative. Without it, results are possible — but usually modest, and highly dependent on the individual.
Pros: Gentle and well tolerated for most people; include antioxidant-rich and anti-inflammatory actives that can support scalp comfort; may help with flaking, dryness, and overall scalp balance.
Cons: Missing the key, impact ingredient that drives more significant results; efficacy is generally milder than other categories; not ideal as a standalone for moderate to advanced thinning.